Somerville man still in hospital after fire started by cigarette near oxygen tank

SOMERVILLE — A 69-year old man remains in critical condition after his home was destroyed in a fire that officials believe started when he lit a cigarette while breathing from an oxygen tank.

A representative of St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston said that James Flood remained hospitalized Tuesday morning. Flood was flown to St. Barnabas by State Police helicopter after the fire Sunday at his 123 West Orchard St. home, according to Capt. George Fazio of the Somerville Police.

"Not a good idea," Capt. George Fazio of the Somerville Police said of smoking while using an oxygen tank. It’s an extremely dangerous act."